Grant Achatz opened Aviary on April 24, 2011. Just a few doors kitty-corner from his 'also new' and sought-after restaurant, Next, Aviary is a cocktaill lounge, a first for Grant and Nick Kokonas. A huge viewing window allows you to peer into their cocktail kitchen which looks more like an ultra-modern stainless steel lab. Very clean and no clutter.
Opening day was much anticipated by Grant's followers and the media. It was not announced well in advance. In fact, it was made public only one day before it opened.
We were lucky enough to arrive in Chicago to witness the flurry of activities on opening day. It was cold waiting in line to get in. We were offered hot cocoa while waiting and no other than Nick Kokonas served us. There were also offers of pashmina scarves for the ladies. It was a looooonnggg wait, a good 2.5 hours before we stepped inside the lounge.
Was it worth it? It surely was. The cocktails were delicious, the presentations were out of this world and the experience was very unique and memorable.
Grant Achatz on the left in white
Craig Schoettler (with back turned) heads the team at Aviary
Mixing a cocktail
Ingredients for a cocktail
Small Bites
More small bites - the one on the left is a dessert bite
This is called Blueberry, a refreshing cocktail with an oh-so-wonderful flavor
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